Hi all:

I am looking to get into kitesurfing.
Winds are around 15-25knts. I weight 160lbs.

Lessons is the first thing when I get a chance. But I am planning on a trip to south america and prefer to bring a kite with me(Way cheaper).

I have an opportunity to buy a quiver of Naish Helix 2010 (6,9,12,14) at a great deal. Anyone here flys them? How good are they for beginners?
I may buy a couple of them but would probably bring only 1 to south america. For the given conditions, which of the sizes would give me the most usable range?
My Arcs/FS would work in water, however I would prefer to learn with a LEI.

Any recommended brand/model for beginners if the Helix is too much?

where in SA

Ecuador. Theres a couple KS schools, but buying a kite there would be way too expensive

Take lessons while yer there. Fly on rental/lesson kites.
Then figure out what you want. If you can demo the Helix, do that. Heard some mixed reviews on Helix kites. And some of the other Naish lines of kites. Some are great, but not all. I havent flown them so I really cannot comment on them, but I would definitely say to get out there flying and try them first before you buy a bunch...

anyway alot info. request... how much harness time do you have?

lessons would have their own junk for you to use why take any at all. if its an extended stay i could see having your stuff for YOUR on practice time.

for those winds 15 -25 knts @ 160 # the 9M but in 25knts the 6m .

for most the 12/9m covers all you need to start maybe in less conditions like 15knts. as you progress the 6/9 would cover you.

helix is fine for beginners

Ill be there for maybe a month so my own gear would be nice.

Harness time not much .. I'd say around 30-40 sessions(Static/Buggy) and just a couple on the board.
Yes I was leaning more towards the 9/12 combo. 25knts days are rare.

When are you heading down? Getting more "harness time" before you go could help a lot...

I am trying! Winds are not cooperating!

Plan is to go mid-late January or February.

Maybe this weekend, for more time with your harness?

If winds are good, you don't have to tell me twice!

I see NNW @ 16 mph. may take the trip to Wildwood.

MIGHT join you... too many moving cogs right now... I cannot commit...

I brought my 10M Pulse to Los Barriles Baja last January and it was the perfect size for flying and traveling. I brought the kite with me via carry on and still had room for my laptop in the bag.
As others have mentioned take lessons and use their gear.